Underwater sewage collection system for docked boats

ABSTRACT

In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater collection means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from the boat or ship to the sewage receiving means, there is disclosed an improvement comprising connector means for releasably connecting the conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of the boat or ship, such connector means being handled entirely from the inside of the boat or ship and the dock or other floating mooring alongside the boat.

United States Patent [191 Johnson UNDERWATER SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR DOCKED BOATS [76] lnventor: Harold E. Johnson, 521 1 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, Calif. 90803 22 Filed: Feb.23, 1973 [21] App1.No.:335,434

[52] US. Cl ll4/.5 R, 4/10, 141/348, 137/236 [51] Int. Cl B63b 35/32 [58] Field of Search ll4/.5 R, .5 BD, .5 T, 114/221 R, 16 D, 16 A, 16.5-16.8; 137/236; 251/298, 299, 294, 339, 152; 4/10; 141/346,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 812,956 2/1906 Simpson 114/16 D 953,881 4/1910 Winand 114/16 D 2/1933 Andrake 251/294 [11] 3,820,488 1 June 28, 1974 1,914,248 6/1933 Gallerani ll4/l6.5 2,085,876 7/1937 Steen 251/294 3,528,462 9/1970 Quase 1l4/.5 T

Primary ExaminerGeorge E. A. Halvosa Assistant Examiner-Edward Kazenske Attorney, Agent, or FirmPhi1ip M. Hinderstein.

[5 7] ABSTRACT In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater collection means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from the boat or ship to the sewage receiving means, there is disclosed an improvement comprising connector means for releasably connecting the conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of the boat or ship, such connector means being handled entirely from the inside of the boat or ship and the dock or other floating mooring alongside the boat.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures UNDERWATER SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM FORDOCKED BOATS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships and, more particularly, to connector means for releasably connecting a conduit to an underwater sewage outlet port of a boat for conducting the sewage therefrom to a suitable collection means.

2. Description of the Prior Art.

Most pleasure boats of the type which have toilet and/or galley facilities, conduct raw sewage and other refuse directly to an underwater outlet port from which the sewage is pumped into the body of water surrounding the boat. As a result, a substantial problem is created when such boats or ships are docked or moored at or near the shoreline, such as at a marina. The dumping of raw sewage directly into the water at a marina contaminates the water in the marina area and deters others from patronizing the marina. On the other hand, since such craft often spend considerable time when docked, it is impractical to use the toilet facilities of the marina rather than those on the boat.

One alternative that has been suggested is to have a holding tank on the boat or ship to store the sewage until the craft is in open waters. However, several factors make this alternative unacceptable. In the first instance, such storage tanks req'uire room therefor and such room is usually unavailable. In addition, even if there is room for storage tanks, it is typical to use strong chemicals therein to break down the sewage until such time as it may be dumped and it has been found that such chemicals have a far greater adverse effect on the marine environment that the raw sewage.

Therefore, it has been proposed to provide an underwater sewage collection system, including underwater storage means and conduit means for conducting sewage from a boat to the underwater storage means, while such boat is at a marina. One such proposed system is described and claimed in US. Pat. No. 3,528,462, issued Sept. IS, 1970 to Harold G. Quase for Sewage Disposal. The system of Quase contemplates an underwater collection and storage system including one or more permanent or temporary storage tanks connected through piping to each'mooring position where a flexible conduit connects the piping to a sewage outlet port of a boat docked thereat.

While the system of Quase represents, in theory, an acceptable solution to the problem, there is a serious problem associated therewith which limits its usefulness. More specifically, the system of Quase fails to take into account the fact that most boats or ships have underwater sewage outlet ports and some consideration must be given to how the conduit connected to the underwater sewage receiving means is to be connected to such underwater sewage outlet port. It is evident that the boat owner must not be required to go underwater to make the connection and it is unlikely that a marina will provide an attendant to perform this function. Thus, before the system of Quase can become fully operative, there must be provided a practical means for connecting an underwater sewage conduit to a boat from a position on the boat or on an adjacent mooring facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the presentinvention, there is disclosed an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships which solves the problems discussed above. The present system does not require installation of sewage holding tanks on boats but permits the sewage from a boat or ship to be conducted directly to a collection and storage means. Furthermore, the present system includes a connecting means for releasably connecting, from the outside of a boat and the adjacent dock, a conduit directly to an underwater sewage outlet port of the'boat for conducting sewage from the boat to the sewage collection means.

Briefly, the present connecting means comprises a manifold defining a hollow chamber and having first and second inlets and an outlet, the first inlet being positioned in one side of the manifold and being adapted to contact the exterior side of the boat or ship, surrounding the sewage outlet port, to receivethe sewage, this second inlet being positioned in the top of the manifold to receive water, and the outlet being positioned in the bottom of the manifold and being adapted to be connected to the conduit means for conducting the sewage entering the manifold through the first inlet to the conduit means. A float valve associated with the second inlet permits water flow into the manifold but prevents escape of sewage therefrom. A valve normally seals the outlet to prevent a continuous flow of water through. the second inlet into the manifold and then into the conduit.

A winch positioned within the boat or ship supports one end of a first line, the other end of which passes through the sewage outlet port of the boat and is connectable to the inside of the manifold, through the first inlet. Thus, the winch and the first line are operative to draw the manifold toward and to hold the manifold against the exterior surface of the boat or'ship, with the first inlet surrounding the sewage outlet port. A second line has one end connected to the winch and the other end connected to the outlet valve so that operation of the winch simultaneously tightens the first and second lines. Manually operable means is provided for pulling the second line independently of the winch so as to open the valve to permit water to flow through the manifold, from the second inlet to the outlet. At this time, the sewage from the boat is flushed through the sewage outlet port into the manifold where such sewage is swept with the water into the conduit means for conduction to the sewage receiving and storage equipment.

oBJEcrs It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connector means for releasably connecting a conduit to an underwater sewage outlet port of a boat for conducting the sewage therefrom to a suitable collection means.

It is a still further objectof the present invention to provide an underwater sewage collection system which permits connection to an underwater sewage outlet port of a boat entirely from a position on the boat and on a dock or other floating facility adjacent thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an underwater sewage collection system of a type which may be used at a marina and incorporating the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are elevation views showing a portion of a dock and boat and illustrating the technique for using the present connecting means for attaching an underwater conduit to an underwater sewage outlet port of the boat;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the exterior side of the boat of FIGS. 2 and 3 showing the sewage outlet port;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally through the center of the connecting means of FIGS. 2 and 3; a I

FIG. 6 is a reduced sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the portion of the present apparatus positioned inside the boat of FIGS. 1-6.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, there is shown one form of A an underwater sewage collection system, generally designated 10, for waterborne vessels, such as a boat 11,

when docked at a marina 12. Boat 11 would be of the type having toilet and/or galley facilities which conduct raw sewage and other refuse directly to an underwater outlet port 13 in the hull 14. In order to collect and store the sewage from boat 11, sewage collection system includes a continuous pipe or conduit 15 which runs from a land based sewage receiving facility, generally designated 16, to each docking facility. For present purposes, sewage receiving facility 16 may include first and second underground holding tanks 17 and 18 which are interconnected by means of a pipe 19 having a gate valve 20 therein. The opposite endsof pipe 15 would be connected to holding tank 17 and one or more pumps 21 would be interposed in pipe 15.

Pipe or conduit 15 would be submerged below the water at a level well below hull 14 of boat 11 and suitably fixed for running parallel to piers 22. Pipe 15 .would be located so as to permit conducting of sewage thereto from boat 11 by gravity. At each dock facility, a flexible conduit 23 is connected directly to pipe 15 to conduct the sewage from boat 11 thereto. The free end of conduit 23 is connected via a line 24 to-pier 22 so that such end is accessible from pier 22. A weight 25 connected to conduit 23 may be used to hold conduit 23 well below the surface of pier 22 when not in use.

Other systems are evidently possible and will be de scribed hereinafter. Very broadly, pump 21 circulates water through pipe 15, which water passes each conduit 23 andretums to holding tank 17. Holding tank 17 would have suitable filtering means therein so that relatively pure water is returned to pipe 15 from tank 17 by pump 21. As tank 17 fills with sewage, gate valve 20 may be opened to empty the contents of tank 17 into a larger sewage storage tank 18 until such time as is convenient to empty the contents of tank 18, such as into a' suitable means of land transportation (not shown) for carrying such sewage to a proper depository. Alternatively, the contents of tank 17 may be conducted to an available sewer disposal system or directly via pipe 19 to a sewage treatment facility. Numerous other possibilities will be obvious to those skilled in the,

art.

As discussed previously, most boats, such as boat 1 l, have sewage outlet port 13 positioned below the waterline and some consideration must be given to how the free end of conduit 23 is to connected to port 13. Thus, it is the purpose of the present invention to provide means for releasably connecting the free end of conduit 23 to an underwater sewage outlet port, such as port 13 of boat 11.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, such connecting means comprises a manifold, generally designated 30, defining a hollow chamber 31 and having first and second inlets, generally designated 32 and 33, and an outlet, generally designated 34. Inlet 32 is positioned in one side of manifold 30 and the area of manifold 30 around inlet 32 is adapted to contact the exterior side of hull 14 of boat 11, surrounding sewage outlet port 13, to receive the sewage. For thispurpose, manifold 30 supports a flexible collar 35 made from some suitable compressible material, such as rubber, which may be connected to manifold 30, surrounding inlet 32, by a conventional metal band 36 having suitable fastening means 37. The actual shape of collar 35 is insignificant, it only being necessary that one side of collar 35 be suitable for attachment to manifold 30 and the other side thereof have an angular orientation suitable for forming a relatively tight connection with the exterior surface of hull 14 of boat 11. Thus, the sewage from boat 11 will be conducted via port 13 and inlet 32 into chamber 31 in manifold 30.

Second inlet 33 is positioned in the top of manifold 30 to receive water from the body of water in which manifold 30 is positioned. A float valve 40 associated with inlet 33 permits water flow into manifold 30 via inlet 33 but prevents escape of sewage therefrom. More specifically, and as shown most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, the top of manifold 30 may include two identical circular openings 33 which support identical float valves 40. Duplication of inlet 33 and float valve 40 may be desired for reasons of reliability. In any event, the top of manifold 30 supports first and second'sleeves 41 which extend through inlets 33. The portions of sleeves 41 above the top of manifold 30 have diameters greater than the diameters of inlets 33 and support ring-shaped gaskets 42 adjacent the tops thereof. The portions of sleeves 41 extending through holes 33 are externally threaded for connection to cup-shaped cages 43 which are externally threaded at the tops thereof. Thus, tightening of cages 43 ontosleeves 41 sandwiches the area around inlet holes 33 therebetween forming a rigid, relatively watertight construction.

Each cage 43 has a large number of openings 44 in the side thereof and supports a buoyant member 45 therein. Member may be a hollow ball, such as a ping pong ball. In any event, the diameters of balls 45 is less than the inside diameters of sleeves 41 but greater than the inside diameters of gaskets 42. Thus, and as shown in FIG. 5, balls 45 are vertically moveable within cages 45 from positions in contact with the bottoms thereof, permitting water flow through inlets 33 into chamber 31, to positions in contact with gaskets 42, preventing water flow through inlets 33 out of chamber 31. The positions of balls 45 are determined by the water level in chamber 31. In other words, water will flow through inlets 33 under the influence of gravity until chamber 31 is filled causing balls 45 to float to their uppermost positions preventing water escape from manifold 30 via inlets 33.

Outlet 34 is positioned in the bottom of manifold 30 and is adapted to be connected to conduit 23 for conducting the sewage entering chamber 31 in manifold 30 to conduit 23. For this purpose, manifold 30 may have an externally threaded neck 47 in the bottom thereof which is adapted to be connected to conduit 23 via an internally threaded collar 48 at the free end thereof.

Valve means, generally designated 50, normally seals outlet 34 to prevent a continuous flow of water into conduit 23 from inlet 33 and chamber 31. Valve means 50 may include a bracket 51 connected via bolts 52 to the back side of manifold 30, bracket 51 pivotably sup- I porting a plate 53 having connected thereto a gasket 54. In one position of plate 53, gasket 54 contacts the inside surface of manifold 30, completely surrounding outlet 34, preventing water flow therethrough. This is the closed position of valve means 50. On the other hand, plate 53 is moveable to an open position, shown in phantom in FIG. 5, where gasket 54 is spaced from walls of manifold 30, permitting a freeflow of water out of outlet 34. In addition, valve means 50 incorporates means for biasing plate 53 in the closed position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 5 and 6. Such biasing means may include a spring made integral with the connection between plate 53 and bracket 51 and so such spring is not shown. However, such normally closed valves are well known to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the apparatus for connecting conduit 23 to sewage outlet port 13 of boat 11 further comprises means, generally designated 60, connectable between manifold 30 and boat 11, for holding manifold 30 against the exterior surface of hull 14, with inlet 32 surrounding sewage outlet port 13. Holding means includes a winch 61, positioned within boat 11, and a line 62, one end of which is connected to 'winch 61 and the other end of which passes through sewage outlet port 13 for connection to the inside of manifold 30. More particularly, winch 61 includes a rotatable reel 63 mounted on a bracket 64 at a convenient location within boat 11, such as adjacent the toilet facilities, but above the waterline of boat 11. Winch -61 includes a crank 65 having a handle 66 for turning reel 63. Winch 61 would also include a suitable locking mechanism of known configuration (not shown) for locking crank 65 in any desired position.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the other end of line 62 extends through inlet 32 into chamber 31 in manifold 30. Line 62 terminates in a hook 67 adapted to be connected to a ring 68 secured to the inside of manifold 30 by an eye 69 and nuts 70. In order for line 62 to maintain inlet 32 in contact with the exterior of boat 11, surrounding sewage outlet port 13, line 62 must exit hull 14 in the vicinity of sewage outlet port 13. In the case of existing boats, this may be achieved most conveniently by drilling a hole (not shown) in the pipe 71 leading to sewage outlet port 13 and by positioning a clamp 72 around pipe 71. Clamp 72 would have a suitable watertight fitting 73 connecting such hole to one end of a length of tubing 74, the other end of which would be connected to bracket 64, beneath reel 63. Thus, line 62 may be run from reel 63 through tubing 74 and fitting 73 in clamp 72 into pipe 71 and then through outlet port 13 into manifold 30. On the other hand, in the construction of new boats incorporating the present invention, a separate outlet port could be positioned adjacent sewage outlet port 13 so that line 62 need not run directly through pipe 71. In both constructions, by providing tubing 74 with the upper end above the waterline of boat 11, water present in pipe 71 may partially fill tubing 74 without creating a leak within boat 11. In any event, winch 61 and line 62 are operative to draw manifold 30 toward and to hold manifold 30 against the exterior of hull 14 of boat 11, with inlet 32 surrounding sewage outlet port 13.

The present apparatus further comprises means, generally designated 80, connected to outlet valve means 50, for moving valve means 50 to the open position to flush sewage from boat 11 to conduit 23 via manifold 30. Means includes a second line 81, one end of which is connected to reel 63 of winch 61 and the other end of which is connected to plate 53 so that the operation of winch 61 simultaneously tightens lines 62 and 81. For this purpose, pipe 71 may have a second hole (not shown) drilled therein and clamp 72 may include a second watertight fitting 82 for connecting one end of a length of tubing 83 to such hole, the other end of tubing 83 being connected to bracket 64, immediately beneath reel 63. The other end of line. 81 includes a hook 84 which is connectable to a hook 85 attached to one end of a line 86. Line 86 extends around a roller 87 connected by means of a bracket 88 and a nut and bolt 89 to the wall of manifold 30. The other end of line 86 is connected to a ring 90 secured to plate 53 in any suitable manner. Thus, when line 81 is pulled from its normal position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 5, to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 5, line 86'rotates plate 53 from the closed to the open position, shown in solid and phantom lines, respectively, in FIG. 5.

Means 80 also includes a lever 91 pivotally connected by a pin 92 adjacent bracket 64, such as to hull 14 of boat 11, one end of lever 91 supporting a handle 93. The other end of lever 91- supports one end of a line 94, the other end of which is connected to a ring 95. Line 81, upon exiting tubing 83, passes through ring before connection to reel 63 of winch 61. Line 94 is conducted to ring 95 such as by a single eye 96 so that movement of handle 93 in the direction of arrow 97 rotates lever 91 in a direction to pull line 94 and ring 95 away from reel 63. This movement of line 94 and ring 95 pulls line 81 independently of winch 61, such pulling of line 81 operating to move valve means 50 from the closed to the open position, as described previously. As soon as handle 93 is released, the biasing means within valve means 50 returns plate 53 to the closed position, which returns lines 81 and 94 and lever 91 to the positions shown in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIG. 4, the only remaining part of the present apparatus is a float 98 having a configuration suitable for extending partly into sewage outlet port 13 for sealing same, if desired. The portion of float 98 which extends into sewage outlet port 13 supports an eye 99 to which hooks 67 and 84 may be connected, as will bedescribed more fully hereinafter.

In operation, and as mentioned previously, it is the purpose of the present invention to provide a method and means for connecting conduit 23 to sewage outlet port 13, especially when such port is positioned beneath the waterline of boat 11. With the present apparatus, such connecting means is operated entirely from pier 22 and boat 11.

With reference first to FIGS. 1 and 2, prior to such time as boat 11 docks at marina 12, manifold 30, 'connected to the free end of conduit 23, is connected via line 24 to pier 22 so that it is accessible from pier 22. Line 24 may be connected between eyes 26 and 27 connected, respectively, to manifold 30 and pier 22. At this time, valve means 50 in manifold 30 is biased in the closed position and is further held in this position by the water pressure on the top of plate 53. Conduit 23 is usually entirely filled with air. Thus, closed valve means 50 prevents a continuous flow of water through outlet 34 into conduit 23 and pipe 15. On the other hand, pump 21 continues to circulate water through pipe at all times.

When away from marina 12, hooks 67 and 84 at the ends of lines 62 and 81, respectively, are connected to float 98. Winch61 would be operated to provide sufficient slack in lines 62 and 81 to pennit float 98 to float away from sewage outlet port 13 to allow normal utilization of the toilet and other facilities on boat 11. When approaching marina 12, winch 61 would be activated to draw float 98 in to seal sewage outlet-port 13 so that float 98 does not interfere with the docking of boat 11. The initial docked position of boat 1 1 is shown in solid lines in FIG. 2.

In order to connect conduit 23 to sewage outlet port 13, winch 61 would first be released from inside boat 11- to permit float 98 to rise to the surface ofthe water, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2. Then, from a position on pier 22, line 24 would be grasped and manifold 30 pulled upwardly, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2. Referring now to FIG. 3, manifold 30 would be elevated to a position high enough to permit access to chamber 31 through inlet 32. Hook 67 would be disconnected from eye 99 of float 98 and connected to ring 68 in chamber 31. Hook 84 would then be disconnected from eye 99 of float 98 and connected to hook 85 in chamber 31.

. Float 98 would now be stored until needed again. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, lines 62 and 81 may be of slightly different lengths to insure the correct order of connection of hooks 67 and 84 to ring 68 and hook 85, respectively.

After lines 62 and 81 are secured within chamber 31 of manifold 30, line 24 would be released, permitting manifold 30' to return to the water. Thereafter, from a position within boat 11, handle 66 of winch 61 may be rotated in the direction of arrow 75 to tighten lines 62 and 81. Since both of lines 62 and 81 are connected to reel 63, operation of winch 61 not only draws manifold 30 toward and holds manifold 30 against the exterior surface of boat- 11, with inlet 32 surrounding sewage outlet port 13, but simultaneously tightens line 81 between hook 85 and ring 95.

Once manifold 30 is tightly positioned against hull 14, as shown in phantom in FIG. Sand in solid lines in FIG. 5, line 24 may be removed from eye 27 and connected to boat 11 so as to support manifold 30, conduit 23, and weight 25. Thereafter, the sewage facilities of boat 11 are ready for use. Ball 45 permits water entry into chamber 31 through inlet 33 until chamber 31 is filled with water. At this time, operation of the toilet facilities within boat 11 is prevented since sewage is prevented from entering inlet 32 of manifold 30. When it is desired to expel sewage from port 13, handle 93 is moved in the direction of arrow 97 which, as explained previously, pulls line 81 and moves valve means 50 from the closed to the open position. At this time, water immediately begins to flow, under the influence of gravity, through inlet 33 into chamber 31 and then through outlet 34 into conduit 23 to underwater pipe 15. Therefore, the toilet facilities within boat 11 may be operated to expel the sewage via pipe 71 and sewage outlet port l3into chamber 31 via inlet 32. The sewage is immediately caught by the water flowing through chamber 31 and is directed via outlet 34 into conduit 23. As soon as all sewage is flushed from outlet port 13, handle 93 is released and valve means 50 immediately returns to the closed position. The water continues to flow through inlet 33 into chamber 31 until chamber 31 is completely filled with water, at which time ball 45 floats to its uppermost position preventing further flow of water into or out of chamber 31 via inlet 33.

When boat 11 desires to leave marina 12, the connection procedurev is simply-reversed. Winch 61 is released and manifold 30 is pulled to a pposition above the waterline by line 24. Hooks 67and 84 are disconnected fromring 68 and hook 85, respectively, and re connected to eye 99 of float 98. Line 24 is reconnected to eye 27 and manifold 30 is permitted to reenter the water. Winch 61 retracts float 98 into sewage outlet port 13 until marina 12 is cleared whereupon float 98 is permitted to move away from sewage outlet port 13 to allow normal expulsion of sewage directly into the water when away from land areas.

It can therefore be seen that in accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed an underwater sewage collection system 10 for docked or moored boats or ships 11 which solves the problems discussed previously. The present system does not require installation of sewage holding tanks on boats but permits the sewage from boat 1 l to be conducted directly to collection and storage means. System includes connecting means for releasably connecting, from boat 1 1 and pier 22,.conduit 23 directly to underwater sewage outlet port 13 of boat 11 for conducting sewage from boat 11 to pipe 15. Pump 21 circulates water through pipe 15 so that the sewage flowing thereinto is eventually conducted back to storage tank 17. After filtration, this water is pumped back into pipe 15 via pump 21. The sewage collecting in tank 17 may be disposed of in any suitable manner; as described previously.

While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred physical embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Thus, while a complete sewage collection and storage facility for a marina has been disclosed in order to provide a discussion of a complete, operative system it will be apparent to. those skilled in the art that other collection and storage systems are possible. For example, it may be possible to provide a portable sewage collection system, such as may be used by boats docked near a shoreline, but not at a marina per se. Thus, the bottom of conduit 23 might be connected to a portable sewage collection device of some type, such as a bag, and this device, together with conduit 23 and manifold 30 might be brought by a service craft to a boat docked adjacent the shoreline. Manifold 30 could be connected to such boat in the same manner described above whereby the sewage would be conducted via manifold 30 and conduit 23 to the portable sewage collection device. When the boat wanted to leave the mooring, the service vehicle could return to the boat, pick up the apparatus including conduit 23, manifold 30, and the portable device, and return the apparatus to the shore for processing of the sewage. Numerous other possible uses of the invention described and claimed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrative embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats o'r ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said underwater sewage receiving means, the'improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising:

a manifold defining a single hollow space and having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to directly receive said sewage, and said outlet being connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said inlet to said conduit means; line connectable between said manifold and said boat, or ship and extending through said inlet in said manifold for drawing said manifold toward and holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port; first and second mating, locking means connected to the inside of said manifold and one end of said line, respectively, for releasably interconnecting said one end of said line and said manifold; and means positioned within said boat or ship and connected to the other end of said line for drawing said line and said manifold toward said boat or ship.

2. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said underwater sewage receiving means, the improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means'to anunderwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising:

a manifold defining a single hollow space and-having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet'port, to directly receive said sewage, and said outlet being connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said inletto said conduit means; and

means connectable between said manifold and said boat or ship and extending through said inlet in said manifold for holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port, said manifold holding means comprising: a winch positioned within said boat or ship; and a line connectable between said winch and the inside of .said manifold, through said inlet, said winch and said line drawing said manifold toward and holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship.

3. In an underwater sewage collection system accord-- ing to claim 2, the improvement further comprising:

valve means for sealing said outlet in said manifold, said valve means being moveable between open and closed positions;

means for biasing said valve means in said closed position;

a second line connectable between said winch and said valve means whereby operation of said winch simultaneously tightens said first-mentioned and said second lines; and

manually operable means for pulling said second line independently of said winch, said pulling of said second line moving said valve means to said open position against the force of saidbiasing means to flush said sewage from saidboat to said conduit means via said manifold, said biasing means returning said valve means to said closed position when said second line is released.

'4. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for us s was? itssts iibsstst Shin to said underwater sewage receiving means, the improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising:

a manifold having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to receive said sewage, and said outlet being adapted to be connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said inlet to said conduit means;

means connectable between said manifold and said boat or ship and extending through said inlet in said manifold for holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port;

valve means for sealing said outlet, said valve means being moveable between open and closed positions; 1

means for biasing said valve means in said closed position; and r v means connected to said valve means for moving said valve means to said open position to flush said sewage from said boat to said conduit means via said manifold. 5. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said underwater sewage receiving means, the

improvement comprising means for releasbly con- 1 1 necting said conduit means to. an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising:

a manifold defining a hollow chamber and having first and second inlets and an outlet, said first inlet being positioned in one side of said manifold and being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to receive said sewage, said second inlet being positioned in the top of said manifold to receive water, and said outlet being positioned in the bottom of said manifold and being adapted to be connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said first inlet to said conduit means;

one-way valve means associated with said second inlet for. permitting water flow into said manifold via said second inlet;

valve means for sealing said outlet in said manifold, said outlet valve means being moveable between: open and closed positions and including means for biasing said outlet valve means in said closed tiiaq i ai v,

mean s connectable between said manifold and said boat or ship for holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said first inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port; and

means connected to said outlet valve means for movingsaid outlet valve means to said open position to flush said sewage from said boat to said con, duitmeansyiasaid. manifold.

6. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 5, the improvement wherein said one-way valve means comprises:

a float positioned within said chamber, adjacent said second inlet, said float sealing said second inlet when direction of water flow therethrough reverses. 7. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 5, the improvement wherein said manifold holding means comprises:

a winch positioned within said boat or ship; and a line connectable between said winch and the inside of said manifold, through said first inlet, said winch and said line drawing said manifold toward and holding said manifold against said exterior surface 7 of said boat orship. u

. 12 8. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 7, the improvement wherein said outlet valve moving means comprises: V a second line connectable between the inside of said boat and said outlet valve means, through said first inlet in said manifold; and manually operable means for pulling said second line to move said outlet valve means to said open position against the force of said biasing means, said biasing means returning said outlet valve means to said closed position when said second line is released.

9. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 8, the improvement wherein said second 15 line is connected to said winch so that operation of said winch simultaneously tightens said first-mentioned and said second lines and wherein said pulling means operates independently of said winch.

10. In an underwater sewage collection system for boats or ships including conduit means for conducting sewage therefrom, the improvement comprising an adapter-connectable to said conduit means to permit connection thereof to an underwater sewage outlet port of saidboat, said adapter comprising:

a manifold defining a hollow chamber and having first and second inlets and an outlet, said first inlet being positioned in one side of said manifold to receive sewage, said second inlet being positioned in the top of said manifold to' receive water, and said outlet being positioned in the bottom of said manifold and being adapted to be connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said first inlet to said conduit means;

one-way valve means associated with said second inlet for permitting water flow into said manifold via said second inlet;

valve means for sealing said outlet, said outlet valve means being moveable between open and closed PQSitiQ S; a, a w V means for biasing said valve means in said closed position; and

means connected to said outlet valve means for permitting movement of said outlet valve means t9 sa diopsn .PQ i iQm 

1. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said sewage receiving means, the improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising: a manifold defining a single hollow space and having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to directly receive said sewage, and said outlet being connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said inlet to said conduit means; a line connectable between said manifold and said boat, or ship and extending through said inlet in said manifold for drawing said manifold toward and holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port; first and second mating, locking means connected to the inside of said manifold and one end of said line, respectively, for releasably interconnecting said one end of said line and said manifold; and means positioned within said boat or ship and connected to the other end of said line for drawing said line and said manifold toward said boat or ship.
 2. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said underwater sewage receiving means, the improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising: a manifold defining a single hollow space and having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to directly receive said sewage, and said outlet being connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said inlet to said conduit means; and means connectable between said manifold and said boat or ship and extending through said inlet in said manifold for holding said mAnifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port, said manifold holding means comprising: a winch positioned within said boat or ship; and a line connectable between said winch and the inside of said manifold, through said inlet, said winch and said line drawing said manifold toward and holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship.
 3. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 2, the improvement further comprising: valve means for sealing said outlet in said manifold, said valve means being moveable between open and closed positions; means for biasing said valve means in said closed position; a second line connectable between said winch and said valve means whereby operation of said winch simultaneously tightens said first-mentioned and said second lines; and manually operable means for pulling said second line independently of said winch, said pulling of said second line moving said valve means to said open position against the force of said biasing means to flush said sewage from said boat to said conduit means via said manifold, said biasing means returning said valve means to said closed position when said second line is released.
 4. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said sewage receiving means, the improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising: a manifold having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to receive said sewage, and said outlet being adapted to be connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said inlet to said conduit means; means connectable between said manifold and said boat or ship and extending through said inlet in said manifold for holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port; valve means for sealing said outlet, said valve means being moveable between open and closed positions; means for biasing said valve means in said closed position; and means connected to said valve means for moving said valve means to said open position to flush said sewage from said boat to said conduit means via said manifold.
 5. In an underwater sewage collection system for docked or moored boats or ships of the type including underwater means for receiving sewage and conduit means for conducting the sewage from said boat or ship to said sewage receiving means, the improvement comprising means for releasably connecting said conduit means to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said connecting means comprising: a manifold defining a hollow chamber and having first and second inlets and an outlet, said first inlet being positioned in one side of said manifold and being adapted to contact the exterior side of said boat or ship, surrounding said sewage outlet port, to receive said sewage, said second inlet being positioned in the top of said manifold to receive water, and said outlet being positioned in the bottom of said manifold and being adapted to be connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said first inlet to said conduit means; one-way valve means associated with said second inlet for permitting water flow into said manifold via said second inlet; valve means for sealing said outlet in said manifold, said valve means being moveable between open and closed positions and including means for biasing said outlet valve means in said closed position; means connectable between said manifold and said boat or ship for holding said manifolD against said exterior surface of said boat or ship, with said first inlet surrounding said sewage outlet port; and means connected to said outlet valve means for moving said valve means to said open position to flush said sewage from said boat to said conduit means via said manifold.
 6. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 5, the improvement wherein said one-way valve means comprises: a float positioned within said chamber, adjacent said second inlet, said float sealing said second inlet when direction of water flow therethrough reverses.
 7. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 5, the improvement wherein said manifold holding means comprises: a winch positioned within said boat or ship; and a line connectable between said winch and the inside of said manifold, through said first inlet, said winch and said line drawing said manifold toward and holding said manifold against said exterior surface of said boat or ship.
 8. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 7, the improvement wherein said valve moving means comprises: a second line connectable between the inside of said boat and said outlet valve means, through said first inlet in said manifold; and manually operable means for pulling said second line to move said valve means to said open position against the force of said biasing means, said biasing means returning said valve means to said closed position when said second line is released.
 9. In an underwater sewage collection system according to claim 8, the improvement wherein said second line is connected to said winch so that operation of said winch simultaneously tightens said first-mentioned and said second lines and wherein said pulling means operates independently of said winch.
 10. In an underwater sewage collection system for boats or ships including conduit means for conducting sewage therefrom, the improvement comprising an adapter connectable to said conduit means to permit connection thereof to an underwater sewage outlet port of said boat, said adapter comprising: a manifold defining a hollow chamber and having first and second inlets and an outlet, said first inlet being positioned in one side of said manifold to receive sewage, said second inlet being positioned in the top of said manifold to receive water, and said outlet being positioned in the bottom of said manifold and being adapted to be connected to said conduit means for conducting the sewage entering said manifold through said first inlet to said conduit means; one-way valve means associated with said second inlet for permitting water flow into said manifold via said second inlet; valve means for sealing said outlet, said valve means being moveable between open and closed positions; means for biasing said valve means in said closed position; and means connected to said outlet valve means for permitting movement of said valve means to said open position. 